Erin French has become one of the most beloved figures in the world of food and television. A self-taught chef who rose to fame through her intimate and unique restaurant The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, she has captivated audiences with her inspiring journey, deep connection to food, and heartfelt storytelling.
Her television career has flourished through Magnolia Network, where she first gained attention with The Lost Kitchen series, offering viewers an intimate look at her restaurant, life, and the community that supports it.
Her most recent venture, Getting Lost with Erin French, took her out of the kitchen and on the road, exploring different parts of the country in search of culinary inspiration.
The show was a fresh take on food travel, featuring Erin’s journey through America’s diverse food landscapes.
Since the first season wrapped up, fans have been eagerly waiting to hear if the show will return for a second season. While there hasn’t been an official announcement from Magnolia Network, Erin French has hinted at its return, suggesting that the show will be back in late 2025.
Erin French’s Rise to Culinary Stardom
Erin French’s journey into the culinary world is a testament to resilience and passion. Born and raised in Freedom, Maine, she grew up working at her father’s diner, where she developed an early appreciation for cooking.
However, her path to success was anything but conventional. She dropped out of medical school, rediscovered her love for cooking, and started hosting intimate dinners in her apartment.
Her unique approach to food—prioritizing farm-to-table ingredients and rustic elegance—led to the opening of The Lost Kitchen. This small, reservation-only restaurant quickly became a sensation, not just for its exceptional food but for the experience it offered.
Unlike traditional restaurants, reservations were accepted only via handwritten postcards, adding an air of exclusivity and anticipation. The concept, combined with Erin’s ability to craft deeply personal and delicious meals, made The Lost Kitchen one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the country.
Erin French’s Television Career and the Popularity of The Lost Kitchen
Erin’s success in the culinary world soon caught the attention of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network. In 2021, Magnolia launched The Lost Kitchen as a documentary-style series, providing a behind-the-scenes look at Erin’s restaurant, her team, and the heartfelt stories that unfold within its walls.
The show became an instant success. Unlike high-stakes cooking competitions or scripted food documentaries, The Lost Kitchen focused on authenticity, community, and the power of gathering around a meal. Erin’s personal journey—overcoming a difficult divorce, rebuilding her life, and creating a thriving restaurant—resonated deeply with viewers.
Critics and audiences alike praised the show for its warmth and sincerity. It wasn’t just about food; it was about human connection.
The series became one of Magnolia Network’s most watched programs and solidified Erin’s place as a new kind of food television star—one who wasn’t about high-end restaurants or celebrity status but about simple, heartfelt cooking and storytelling.
Awards and Recognition
Erin French’s impact on the culinary world has been widely recognized. Her memoir, Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch, became a New York Times bestseller, further establishing her as an influential voice in food and personal resilience.
While The Lost Kitchen didn’t compete in traditional cooking show award categories, it received critical acclaim and was praised for its cinematography, storytelling, and authenticity. Erin was also featured in numerous media outlets, from The New York Times to CBS Sunday Morning, cementing her place as a beloved culinary figure.
The Launch of Getting Lost with Erin French
Building on the success of The Lost Kitchen, Erin took on a new challenge: a food travel show. In June 2024, Magnolia Network premiered Getting Lost with Erin French, an eight-episode series following Erin and her husband, Michael Dutton, as they traveled across the United States in search of culinary inspiration.
The show explored different regions, from the deep flavors of Louisiana to the vineyards of Oregon, showcasing Erin’s encounters with local chefs, farmers, and artisans. It was an expansion of her philosophy—celebrating simple, regional ingredients and the people who dedicate their lives to food.
Unlike traditional travel food shows, Getting Lost with Erin French wasn’t about extravagant restaurant experiences or celebrity chefs. It was about discovering the heart and soul of America’s food culture through small towns, roadside diners, and hidden gems.
How Was Getting Lost with Erin French Received?
The show was a massive success. Fans of The Lost Kitchen loved seeing Erin in a new environment, while new audiences were drawn in by the show’s warmth and genuine storytelling.
Critics praised the show for its unique approach to food travel. Instead of focusing on competition or fast-paced restaurant life, Getting Lost with Erin French took a slow, reflective approach, emphasizing personal connections and the beauty of simple cooking.
The series performed exceptionally well on Magnolia Network, with high viewership and positive reviews across streaming platforms like Max and discovery+. The combination of Erin’s down-to-earth presence, breathtaking cinematography, and heartfelt interactions made it a standout show in Magnolia’s lineup.
Is Getting Lost with Erin French Cancelled or Renewed?
As of now, Magnolia Network has not officially announced a renewal for Getting Lost with Erin French. However, Erin French herself has hinted at its return.
In response to fans asking about a second season in the comment section of her social media posts, Erin mentioned that the show would “definitely be back” and that it is expected to air in late 2025.
Given the overwhelming success of the first season, it is highly likely that the show will return. Magnolia Network has invested heavily in food-based storytelling, and Getting Lost with Erin French has proven to be one of its standout programs. With a dedicated fanbase and strong ratings, there is little reason for the network not to bring it back.